INDOOR BOWLS

by Lesley Dickinson

The term 'INDOOR' when applied to bowls, means different things to different people.

To the traditional British Lawn Bowler, who has managed to bridge the gap, it's where they play when the nights draw in and their outdoor green shuts down for the winter; but it is not Short Mat - they play on a permanent full size rink and with the same bowls as outdoor (well, unless they particularly like to use a heavier bowl indoors as some do).

To the newcomer to bowls and to those who are introduced to the sport at their local Leisure Centre or by Television, it may be the only place that they ever bowl and many of Indoor Clubs remain open throughout the summer months, either full or part time.

To the dedicated Short Mat Bowler THEY are THE 'Indoor' Bowlers. This game is often played in a village hall, or similar building, and as the site has other purposes, the mat is often rolled up and stored after use.

To the Australian Bowler it does exist, but as something of a rarity.

You have to come to the UK to see the lawn bowls game played in full size permanent Indoor greens of anything from one to 12 rinks, the norm being 6 or 8. Although these larger Indoor's are beginning to be erected all over the World, there are 333 at the time of writing in the UK. Details of these and other club types can be viewed from our Clubs Menu.

Below is a picture of a typical British Indoor Club, (in this case Lincoln IBC, England) My apologies for the picture, but it is the only one I have to hand at the moment. Although it only shows one side of the green, it does give some idea of the layout, size and lighting. The picture shows my husband Len being presented with a trophy as part of the Lincolnshire County Team winning the Derbyshire Trophy - I don't remember what year off-hand.